The 42-times capped prop has been a regular in the best team in the world for a number of years, and now he's coming to ply his trade in Berkshire.

He's a top player, super fit, mean in the scrum and a bull around the field.

And, AND, he has the priceless ability to play on either side of the scrum.

Just look at him here, running down a flying winger to make the tackle.

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And, AND, he's signed a three-year deal, so the chances of him upping sticks and heading off to France aren't very likely.

As well as getting a top player, The Exiles now have even more of an avenue into New Zealand talent.

With Franks, interim head coach Glenn Delaney and the soon-to-arrive new head coach Tom Coventry, Irish now have a strong link to the Southern Hemisphere which could well lead to more players coming from down under.

That's not to say they'll suddenly snap up the likes of prolific wing Julian Savea and the fantastic number 8 Kieran Reid just yet.

But what it could mean is players looking for new avenues after the World Cup may fancy joining their countrymen.

Or players who've not quite made it into the elite of the All Blacks may fancy a change of scene.

Who knows?

But once the links have been built, the players can only say no.

Of course, the problem Irish could face is the problem they've always faced - asset stripping.

The Exiles have lost the likes of England wingers Marland Yarde and Anthony Watson recently.

Others like the Armitage brothers and Dan Bowden have moved on too.

However, what this signing could do is inspire the club's better players to stay on, particularly if more New Zealanders arrive.

What's also very exciting is the prospect of the new front row.

Franks, David Paice and the wonderfully bearded Scottish prop Geoff Cross is a fearsome combination, which alongside the team's already excellent back row could see the club develop a really formidable scrum.

Add to that Tom Court and Halani Aulika and that's some top scrum power.

The All Blacks will be favourites to retain their world title, something no team has ever done, and so potentially Irish will get a double World Cup winner, which brings huge gravitas in itself.

There's nothing not to like about this signing, which could be the start of bigger and better things for The Exiles.